In a departure from the usual customs upheld by the royal family at Commonwealth events, Princess Anne made a bold statement during a recent gathering in London.
Accompanying the Queen, Prince William, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne donned a striking ensemble—a flowery coat paired with a matching scarf and a duck-egg blue hat. Despite the elegance of her attire, what truly caught attention was the fact that Anne had previously worn the same red coat during her tour of Canada the year before.
Known for her practical approach to fashion, Princess Anne often re-wears her clothes for public engagements and even incorporates garments handed down to her by the late Queen. This contrasts with the typical protocol of Queen Elizabeth, who tends to avoid repeating ensembles.
Fashion journalist Elizabeth Holmes, in her book "HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style," highlights the meticulous management of the Queen's wardrobe, with repeats carefully spaced out to avoid public repetition.
Despite breaking from tradition, Princess Anne's outfit received glowing reviews from royal fans, who praised her coat as "beautiful" and "gorgeous." This wasn't the first time Anne had recycled an outfit; she had previously worn the same ensemble during a royal tour in Canada in 2023 and even at Ladies Day at Newmarket racecourse in 2021, where she accessorized with orange-tinted sunglasses.
Attending the Commonwealth Day event alongside other senior royals, Princess Anne's fashion choices signal a shift towards sustainability and practicality within the royal household, resonating with modern sensibilities.
